Wildfire Preparedness Month 2016

Despite recent rain, extreme drought is forecasted for the coming months due to the recent El Nino event, which was in the top two El Ninos on record since 1950. Active wildfire seasons are known to follow El Nino events, and have led to some of Hawaii’s largest wildfires on both windward and leeward sides. This year is no exception. Drought and wildfires are projected to be extreme in the coming months. It has already been a busy year for firefighters statewide. With some preparedness and awareness, wildfires and their impacts can be reduced by simple actions such as parking your car away from dry grass and managing the vegetation around your home.

May is Wildfire Preparedness Month. Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO), firefighters, and government agencies across Hawaii are encouraging you to take action toward protecting your loved ones, homes, and Hawaii’s natural resources from wildfire. There are many ways you can help. On May 7th, National Community Wildfire Preparedness Day, communities across the U.S. will be holding action days to prepare their neighborhoods and reduce wildfire hazards. You can be a part of an amazing movement by gathering your family, friends, and neighbors for preparedness activities that range from evacuation planning to flammable vegetation removal.

There are many ways you can take action with your family, friends, and neighbors to protect your community from wildfire.

DONATE to HWMO this May

HWMO’s staff and partners are working hard to ensure Hawaii’s communities, lands, and waters are safe from wildfires. HWMO is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that relies on generous contributions from people like you. You can make a difference this May by donating at our charity boxes hosted at these Hawaii Island locations:

Waikoloa Village Pro Shop

Banjy's Restaurant

Waikoloa Community Church

Lava Java in Kona and Waikoloa

Daylight Mind in Kona and Waikoloa

Healthways Waimea

Waimea Coffee Company

Waimea Annunciation Church

Puako Ascension Church

My Bar in Kona

Mahalo to the businesses and organizations helping us make a difference. And, of course, mahalo to you for your kōkua!

HWMO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Waimea on Hawaii Island that serves as a hub of wildfire prevention, mitigation, and planning activities in the Hawaii-Pacific region through proactive, collaborative, and forward-thinking projects.